Nearly 3 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz on six Indian‑flagged vessels, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has confirmed. The strait, a narrow but strategically crucial waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a vital route for global energy shipments. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf have severely disrupted maritime traffic, complicating deliveries of LPG destined for India.
In total, 22 Indian ships are affected in and around the strait, but six LPG carriers hold the largest share of stranded cargo—around 3 lakh MT collectively. Each LPG vessel generally carries 45,000‑50,000 MT, primarily for domestic industrial and household consumption. These delays are causing a temporary slowdown in LPG deliveries to India’s ports, though authorities are coordinating closely with port operators to manage the backlog.
Some relief has come from a few vessels that successfully navigated the strait under careful monitoring. The tanker Nanda Devi, carrying 46,500 MT of LPG, reached Vadinar at Kandla Port, where unloading operations have commenced. Another vessel, Shivalik, had earlier docked at Mundra Port, helping ease the pressure on domestic supply chains. Government sources said that storage and transshipment arrangements are being made to accommodate delayed cargo and minimize disruption.
The situation highlights broader energy security challenges for India, which relies heavily on Middle East imports for LPG and other fuels. Shipping companies are also facing operational hurdles, including high freight rates and fewer available vessels for long-haul shipments. The Ministry has emphasized that operations at central‑government‑owned ports continue, with active support to ensure cargo movement wherever possible.